FAQs

How do I set up my account online after I've been enrolled in OregonSaves?

Go to saver.oregonsaves.com and click "Set up your account."
- If you choose to participate, you'll need to set up a username and password before setting up your account.
- If you choose to opt out, you won’t need to set up a username and password if you received notification within the past 30 days. After that point, you will need to set up a username and password to complete your opt out.

Can I set up my account or opt out without using the website?

Yes. Contact Client Services at 844-661-6777 for assistance.

How do I track my account balance?

You can access your account online at saver.oregonsaves.com or by calling 844.661.6777. You will also receive periodic account statements via email or mail.

What happens to my account if I move out of state?

Your Roth IRA through OregonSaves belongs to you. If you still have Oregon sources of income from an employer that facilitates OregonSaves, you can continue to participate in the program by payroll deduction. If your employer doesn’t facilitate, you can continue to make contributions on your own. You can also roll over or transfer your account into a Roth IRA outside of OregonSaves if the outside Roth IRA accepts rollovers or transfers.

What happens to my account when I change employers?

Your Roth IRA through OregonSaves belongs to you. Your money remains in your account as your retirement savings. If your new employer facilitates OregonSaves, it will notify you and begin payroll deductions at your new job unless you opt out. If your new employer offers an employer-sponsored retirement plan, then that employer is not required to facilitate the State's program, but you may be eligible for the employer-sponsored retirement plan. You can also contribute directly to your OregonSaves account through your bank account or check.

What happens if I opt out of participating?

You can opt out of participating at any time. If you opt out within the 30 day period after the program notifies you about the establishment of your account, no payroll deductions will be made from your paycheck on your behalf and your account will not be activated. If you choose to stop participating after contributions have begun, payroll deductions will end. You can leave the money in your account to grow your retirement savings; you can transfer or roll it over to another Roth IRA. You may also request a distribution, which may be subject to federal taxes. You may rejoin the program at any time by notifying the program or your employer that you would like to start contributing to your account again.

Yes, you can choose a savings rate of as little as 1 percent and as much as 100% of your gross pay, at 1 percent increments and up to annual Roth IRA contribution limits. Please note that contributions are made post-tax, and your employer can’t deduct more than the amount of available compensation after they have made any other payroll deductions that have higher preference as required by law. You can make changes to your contribution rate online or by phone.

Can I have another retirement savings plan at the same time as this one?

Yes, you can contribute to more than one savings plan or account at a time. Please note, however, that the IRS contribution limits for Roth IRAs are cumulative for all Traditional and Roth IRAs owned by an individual.

Can I opt out of automatic contribution increases?

Yes, you can opt out of the increases at any time online or by phone.

Can I roll over money from another plan into my OregonSaves account?

Not at this time, but the State expects to allow rollovers beginning in 2019. Please note, participants should consult with a tax expert or financial advisor before making any changes to better understand any steps to take and restrictions that may apply. For rollovers from pre-tax retirement plans like 401(k)s and 403(b)s, money will be taxed to convert it from pre-tax to post tax status for inclusion in a Roth IRA.

Can workers contribute a set dollar amount per paycheck instead of a percentage of their wages?

Not if they contribute through payroll deductions; however this feature may be available in the future. Participants can contribute a set dollar amount through their bank account.

Does my contribution rate increase over time?

Yes, your contribution rate automatically increases by 1 percent each year, until it reaches 10 percent, unless you opt out of automatic increases.

How are contributions made to my account?

If you contribute through your employer, every pay period, your employer will deduct your contribution from your paycheck and remit it to your account. You can also make contributions yourself through your bank account or by check.

How will I know if I am nearing the annual IRA contribution limit?

OregonSaves will monitor your account contributions and notify your employer to stop contributions when you are nearing the limit. Please note, OregonSaves will not have information on your eligibility to contribute to a Roth IRA, or any other IRAs you may maintain and contribute to. It is your responsibility to ensure that across all your retirement accounts, you are contributing within the IRS’ annual limits. Please consult a tax expert or financial advisor to discuss your specific circumstances.

If I have my own IRA in addition to the State's program, does the contribution limit apply to each separately or to the combined amount for both?

The IRS' annual IRA contribution limits apply to the combined amount contributed to all of your IRAs, both Traditional and Roth.

Is the contribution made pre-tax or post-tax?

For Roth IRAs, contributions are made on a post-tax basis. The percentage contributed is based on your gross income earned with your facilitating employer.

Why don’t my OregonSaves contributions show up on my W2?

OregonSaves acts as a payroll deduction IRA, not a retirement plan as defined for the W2, so you won’t see your contributions reflected on your W2.

Your IRA trustee will file a Form 5498, IRA Contributions Information with the IRS and you will receive a copy no later than May 31. This does not need to be filed with your taxes but should be kept with your tax records as documentation of your contributions for a particular tax year.

Is the contribution rate based on gross or net income?

Your contribution rate is based on gross income earned with your facilitating employer.

Is there a limit to how much I can contribute?

Yes, contribution limits for Roth IRAs are set by the federal government. For 2018, you can save up to $5,500 per year if you’re younger than 50 and $6,500 per year if you’re 50 or older, as long as you have that much in compensation and are under certain income levels based on your modified adjusted gross income. This contribution limit applies across all IRAs you may have (both Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs with the State and elsewhere).

Is there a maximum percentage of income that can be contributed?

There is no upper limit on the percentage of income that can be contributed; however Roth IRAs have annual contribution limits based on your modified adjusted gross income. Please also note that contributions are made post-tax, and your employer can’t deduct more than the amount of available compensation after they have made any other payroll deductions that have higher preference as required by law.

What is the standard contribution rate?

The standard contribution is 5 percent of gross income earned with your facilitating employer. You can choose to save more, or less, at 1 percent increments.

When does my contribution rate automatically increase?

The 1 percent automatic increase occurs every year on January 1 for those who have been in the program for at least six months (starting January 1, 2019).

Why does the program include automatic contribution increases?

The goal of the retirement program is not just to improve access to retirement savings accounts for workers, but to also help improve outcomes when it comes time to retire. A savings rate of 5 percent is a good place to start, but you may need to save more than 5 percent over time to achieve financial security in retirement. Research shows that people are far more likely to save more if their retirement plan includes automatic increases. It's also important to note that savers can always opt out of these increases if they want.

Am I allowed to take distributions if I'm still working during my retirement?

Yes, you can take distributions from your account at any time. You may want to consult a tax expert or financial advisor to help you consider your best sources of income if you are retired and working and if a distribution makes sense.

Are there restrictions for withdrawals beyond the normal restrictions for Roth IRAs?

No. Savers have the same rights to withdraw amounts from their OregonSaves Roth IRA as they would for any other Roth IRA. However, a 10 percent early withdrawal penalty may apply on the taxable amount if you are under age 59 ½ and no exception for the penalty applies. Please consult with a tax expert or financial advisor for information specific to your circumstances.

Can I roll the money I have in OregonSaves into another retirement plan?

Not at this time, but at a future date, you will be able to roll over or transfer your OregonSaves Roth IRA into another Roth IRA. You should consult with a tax expert or financial advisor about any steps you may need to take or any restrictions that may apply.

Can I take money out of my account?

Yes, you can take your money out of your Roth IRA at any time. There is no fee or penalty for withdrawing your contributed amounts. However, investment earnings are subject to taxation and an additional penalty if taken out before age 59½, and before you’ve had your first Roth IRA for five years. Please consult with a tax expert or financial advisor for information specific to your own circumstances.

Can I use my savings through the program for the down payment of a house?

You can withdraw your contributions for any reason at any time without taxation. In certain circumstances, distributions from a Roth IRA that include investment earnings can also be used toward the down payment for first time home buyers. Investment earnings are subject to taxation and an additional penalty if taken out before age 59½ and before you’ve had your first Roth IRA for five years. Please consult with a tax expert or financial advisor to determine what steps and restrictions may apply to you.

Is there an administrative fee or penalty for taking out my money?

There is no administrative fee or penalty for withdrawing your contributions to a Roth IRA. Contributions are the money you put in your account. You already paid taxes on it, and you can have it back any time you want it. The interest and growth in value your money earns is called "earnings." The earnings are taxable and possibly subject to a 10 percent penalty if withdrawn before you are age 59½.

Is there a minimum retirement age for the program?

There is no minimum retirement age. However, there is a federal tax penalty for withdrawing any investment earnings from a Roth IRA before age 59½ unless it’s for a qualifying reason. Please consult with a tax expert or financial advisor for information specific to your own circumstances.

Is there a waiting period before I can withdraw my money?

You can take your money out of your Roth IRA at any time. There is no fee or penalty for withdrawing your contributed amounts (although you may miss them at retirement time if you’ve taken the money early for non-retirement purposes). Investment earnings are subject to taxation if taken out before age 59½, and if your first Roth IRA has been open for fewer than five years. Please consult with a tax expert or financial advisor for information specific to your own circumstances. Please allow up to 10 business days for the proceeds to reach you. Distributions will generally be processed within 3 business days of accepting the request. During periods of market volatility and at year-end, distribution requests may take up to 5 business days to process. For security purposes, there will be a hold of 9 business days on distribution requests when there is a change to your address and a hold of 15 calendar days on distribution requests following a change to your banking information. Distributions of contributions made by check, wire or ACH will not be available for withdrawal for 7 business days.

What happens to my money if I die and have no named beneficiaries?

If you die and have no named beneficiaries, the account will be payable to your estate under the terms of the IRA. Accounts that become unclaimed property will be subject to applicable law.

You must have earned income to open an IRA under IRS regulations. If you do not have earned income, but your spouse has earned income to account for the contributions, you may be able to open a spousal IRA.

Can I opt out at any time?

Yes. You can opt out at any time through your employer, online at saver.oregonsaves.com, by calling 844.661.6777, or by mailing an Opt Out form to the program.

Can I participate in the program even if I'm retired?

Only if you have earned income. If you do have earned income, you can join through a facilitating employer or by signing up yourself.

Can I rejoin the program if I opted out?

Yes, you can rejoin at any time by notifying your employer that you would like to start contributing to your account again.

Do I have to work for a certain amount of time before I'm eligible?

There is no mandatory waiting period, but the enrollment process takes 60 days. If you work for an employer for less than 60 days, you will not be enrolled by that employer.

Does saving through this program impact my eligibility for financial aid for college?

In general, qualified retirement accounts are not counted for federal financial aid; however, you should carefully review your own circumstances with a tax expert or financial advisor. Withdrawals from IRAs can also jeopardize financial aid for the year following the withdrawal. For more information, check with your financial aid office.

Does saving through this program impact my eligibility for other programs like SNAP or TANF?

In general, federal benefits programs do not count retirement assets against a person's eligibility. For more information, check with your benefits office.

How do I opt out?

You can opt out through your employer, online at saver.oregonsaves.com, by calling 844.661.6777, or by mailing an Opt-out Form to the program.

If I am actively participating in an employer-sponsored retirement plan through my employer, can I participate in OregonSaves as well?

Yes, if you are 18 or older, have earned income, and are eligible for an IRA, you can sign up yourself for an account at saver.oregonsaves.com. You can contribute through your bank account or by check, and you may be able to contribute through payroll deductions if your employer is willing to set up a deduction for you.

The standard account option for savers will be a Roth IRA. The income limits for Roth IRA savers are set by the federal government. For 2018, the limits are $135,000 for a single tax filer and $199,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly. Beginning in 2019, OregonSaves will offer a traditional IRA account as an electable choice.

My employer offers an employer-sponsored retirement plan to some employees but I'm not eligible for it. Can I join the State's program?

Yes, employees not eligible for an employer-sponsored retirement plan can join the State's program. Sign up today at saver.oregonsaves.com

Can I set up an account if I don't work for an employer that facilitates OregonSaves?

Yes, if you are 18 or older, have earned income, and are eligible for an IRA, you can sign up yourself for an account at saver.oregonsaves.com. You can contribute through your bank account or by check, and you may be able to contribute through payroll deductions if your employer is willing to set up a deduction for you.

If your employer facilitates OregonSaves, you won’t need to do anything to enroll and start saving. Your employer will automatically enroll you unless you opt out. Remember, OregonSaves is completely voluntary. You can also sign up yourself if you are self-employed or your employer doesn't facilitate OregonSaves at saver.oregonsaves.com.

How will I be notified about the program?

If your employer is required to facilitate OregonSaves, your employer will register with the program and then automatically enroll you. Then you will receive an invitation from OregonSaves.

I am a worker. Can I join the pilot of the OregonSaves?

If your employer doesn't offer an employer-sponsored retirement plan, let them know about the State's program. Employers who want to join now can contact OregonSaves to learn how they can offer the program to their employees. You can also sign up yourself if you are self-employed or work for an employer that doesn't facilitate OregonSaves at saver.oregonsaves.com.

What should I do if I have questions or want advice about enrolling in this program?

You can visit saver.oregonsaves.com for more information, call 844.661.6777, or talk to a financial professional.

The program has minimal staff. It is overseen by the Oregon Retirement Savings Board, and it is managed by a private, professional plan administrator with extensive experience in IRAs and record keeping.

Is there a fee for participating in the program?

Yes, any investment or retirement program, there is an ongoing fee which is paid as a percent of your assets under management. This fee for each investment option is approximately 1% of assets per year ($1 for every $100 saved), and it pays for the administration of the program, and the operating expenses charged by the underlying investment funds in which the program’s portfolios are invested. The fee is computed daily and netted from the assets in an investment option. Investment returns are credited to saver accounts ‘net of’ this cost.

What does the administrative fee pay for?

The fee covers all administrative costs associated with the program, such as the cost of maintaining your account, oversight of the program’s investments, providing customer service, keeping records, online and phone services, and the operating expenses of the underlying investment funds in which the investment options are invested.

No, all investments have some form of risk. However, the program offers a range of investment types to help you build a investment option that balances different levels of risk for your individual circumstances.

Four other states have passed legislation to create similar programs, including California, Connecticut, Illinois, and Maryland. Many other states are also considering similar legislation.

Has the State completed a feasibility analysis for the program?

Yes, the Oregon Retirement Savings Board commissioned a market analysis and feasibility study to understand the characteristics of the population in Oregon with and without access to a retirement savings plan at work, and to understand the circumstances under which the program could be offered on a self-sustaining basis. The program was shown to be financially viable under a range of circumstances, and less viable under the extreme circumstances of very low savings rates across the entire population.

Have programs like this been successfully implemented in the past?

Yes, a range of similar programs have been developed and used in a number of countries over the last two decades. These workplace-based programs are very popular with savers and are changing retirement outcomes in these countries One program, called the National Employees Savings Trust (NEST), has been successfully implemented in the United Kingdom over the course of the last five years. New Zealand also has a similar program. Oregon's program is modeled after these plans in other countries as well as successful large employer plans in the U.S.

How is this program different from other plans like a 401(k) or an IRA?

OregonSaves is designed to combine some of the best features of employer plans and IRAs, making it easier to save by lowering the barriers that often keep people from saving. For example, to start an IRA on your own, you have to go find a financial institution that offers an IRA. This program, however, allows you to save at work into a program managed on your behalf. To join, you won’t need to do anything. Enrollment is automatic. Contributions are made through payroll deductions. It's also portable and can move with you from one job to the next.

How knowledgeable are customer service representatives about the program?

Customer service representatives are fully trained in all aspects of the program. They are dedicated to the Oregon program, and staff includes representatives with considerable training and expertise related to retirement plans.

Is Oregon the first state to implement a program like this?

Yes, Oregon will be the first state to implement this type of program. However, several other states are planning to implement similar programs soon after.

Is the State's program considered an employer-sponsored retirement plan?

No. Employers are only responsible for facilitating the program for employees.

Is this program meant to replace 401(k) plans?

No, this program is not meant to replace or compete with 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plans. It is meant to help employers who don't have the time, money, or resources to offer a 401(k) plan.

Is this related to the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)?

No. This program is not related in any way to PERS. It is not a pension plan. It is for private sector employees to save their own money in their own individual accounts.

What does the State gain by providing this program?

More people saving for retirement will mean more self-reliance when people reach retirement age and less strain on our already stretched social services.

What is the makeup of the Oregon Retirement Savings Board?

ORS 178.200 requires that the Board have seven members: the State Treasurer; four members appointed by the Governor including a representative of employers, a representative with experience in investments, a representative of an association representing employees, and a member of the public who is retired; a member of the House of Representatives, and a member of the Senate.

What was the legislation that created the OregonSaves?

House Bill 2960 of 2015, now codified at ORS 178.200 to 178.245.

Where can I find a copy of the rules for the program?

The rules are posted online at Oregon.gov/retire and can be found in Oregon Administrative Rules at OAR 178.200.

Who do I contact if I have questions or need help or have an issue related to the program?

Information and resources, including tutorials, are available online at saver.oregonsaves.com, and trained, knowledgeable account service professionals are available by calling 844.661.6777 to help with any questions or assistance you might need.

Where can I find information about investments, fees, risks, and other important information associated with having an OregonSaves account?

The retirement savings crisis is a serious problem here in Oregon and throughout the nation. There have been proposals to create a program like this at the national level to help address the crisis and make it easier for people to save. For now, a nationwide program seems unlikely, even though the crisis continues to grow. In response, most states have begun considering programs like Oregon's. In fact, several other states passed legislation before Oregon to create similar programs, but Oregon is slightly further along in the development and implementation process than those states.

Why was this program created and what are the benefits?

The legislature created the OregonSaves to improve people’s access and outcomes for retirement savings. The program is designed to lower barriers wherever possible, such as using automatic enrollment and savings through payroll deductions, to make it easier for people to save. Additionally, eligible employees can always opt out if they don’t want to participate or prefer to save another way. The program helps fill a gap in the market that isn’t being served.

Will services be available in other languages?

Yes, the call center will offer assistance in English and Spanish and will have access to translation services for other languages. Certain materials may also be available in Spanish.

Will the State use people's money from this program to pay for other programs, like PERS?

No. Assets are remitted directly to OregonSaves on behalf of workers, and credited directly to IRA accounts in those workers' names. Accounts are not accessible to the State for other purposes and are not tied to any other retirement plans offered by the State, including PERS.

Will this program make information available to savers and include consumer protections?

Yes, this program will help ensure that Oregonians have more choices, more information, and easier access to retirement savings accounts. Consumer protections are part of the program and may be enforced through state agency actions.

Yes, the program has a private investment consultant that provides input and feedback about investments to the Board.

What is an age-based fund?

An age-based fund refers to a fund that targets a certain level of risk based on two factors: an investor’s current age and approximate estimated retirement date. An age-based fund evolves its mix of investments—stock, bond, and cash equivalents—over time to seek growth for younger investors and to help preserve savings as investors near retirement age. OregonSaves Target Retirement Funds are a type of age-based funds.

Who is responsible for deciding what investment options to offer to participants?

The Oregon Retirement Savings Board is responsible for making decisions about the investments options available to participants of the program.

Are the funds actively managed or passively managed?

For the most part, the funds offered through OregonSaves use passive management.

Can I save through a Traditional IRA instead of a Roth IRA through OregonSaves?

At a future date, the program may offer Traditional IRAs.

How do I know where my money is being invested?

Information about each investment will be available online at saver.oregonsaves.com or by calling 844.661.6777 so that you can know exactly in which fund(s) your money is invested.

How is investing different than putting my money in a bank?

Banks are best known for offering checking and savings accounts that pay interest, although they also offer other savings and investment products. An OregonSaves IRA allows you to save through payroll deduction and invest using a focused set of choices for this retirement program. OregonSaves offers a Capital Preservation fund. OregonSaves also offers market-based investments like target retirement funds.

Is there a risk of losing my money?

All investing involves some risk, including the risk of loss. There are other risks to consider as well, such as: not saving enough, outliving your savings, and the risks posed by inflation to the savings you accumulate. OregonSaves offers a range of investments with various levels of risk to help you meet your goals depending on your age, distance from retirement, and risk tolerance. OregonSaves offers a Capital Preservation. OregonSaves also offers market-based investments like the target retirement funds and a growth option.

Is there any guarantee of earnings on my investments?

No. All investing involves some risk and there is no guarantee of earnings. Take care when reviewing fund performance that there is no guarantee of future results. However, the program offers a capital preservation fund.

How should I address market volatility?

While there is always a risk of loss, investing for retirement should be approached with a long-term goal to grow your savings over time. The nature of the market is to fluctuate — there’s no way to time your investment activity to only benefit from positive gains in the market. OregonSaves offers investment options with various risk levels so you can choose the one(s) that fit your risk tolerance.

What are the expense ratios for the investment options?

The expense ratios and other information for the funds can be found online at:

It’s important to note that the 1 percent fee for the program covers the operating expenses of the investment funds in which the investment options are invested.

What is the professional firm that is administering the program?

The Oregon Retirement Savings Board has selected Ascensus as the program’s administrator. Based in Pennsylvania-and with offices around the country, Ascensus is an experienced retirement and college savings services provider and will act as the Roth IRA trustee, manage account records, operate the website www.oregonsaves.com, receive and process retirement contributions and distributions, and provide customer service.

If I don’t select investments for my account what will happen?

Your first $1,000 contributed by payroll deduction will be invested in the OregonSaves Capital Preservation Fund; savings over $1,000 will be invested in an OregonSaves Target Retirement Fund based on your age.

Whom should I talk to about investment options?

You can visit the program website for more information or talk to a financial advisor about investment options.

Will participants’ money be pooled with money from other programs at the city, state, or federal level?

No, money will be pooled and invested in the Investment Option just for participants of this program. Your account balance will be tracked at an individual level so that you will always be able to tell how much is in your account.

Accounts are structured as Roth IRAs, which may be protected from creditors. Circumstances vary, and savers should consult an appropriate expert if they need an opinion on their specific circumstances.

Are there measures in place to keep my account safe from cyber threats?

Yes, OregonSaves has processes in place to protect the security of employee accounts and information.

Does the OregonSaves protect the security of funds remitted to the employee accounts?

Yes, OregonSaves has processes in place to protect the security of employee contributions to their accounts.

Will my personal information used for this program be reported to other government agencies for the purpose of determining immigration status?

No, reporting will not be made for the purpose of determining immigration status.

The program will begin in July 2017 with a small pilot group of employers. It is scheduled to roll out in phases starting with larger employers in 2018. The registration deadlines for employers are as follows:

a. An employer employing 100 or more employees: November 15, 2017

b. An employer employing 50 to 99 employees: May 15, 2018

c. An employer employing 20 to 49 employees: December 15, 2018

d. An employer employing 10 to 19 employees: May 15, 2019

e. An employer employing 5 to 9 employees: November 15, 2019

f. An employer employing 4 or fewer employees: May 15, 2020

For more information on definitions of employer, employee, and employment, and number of employees, please see the administrative rules associated with the program.

Workers who are self-employed or work for an employer that doesn't facilitate OregonSaves can sign up themselves starting in October 2018.

Individuals have not received compensation for their testimonial. Testimonials may not be representative of the experience of other customers.

OregonSaves is overseen by the Oregon Retirement Savings Board. Ascensus College Savings Recordkeeping Services, LLC (“ACSR”) is the program administrator. ACSR and its affiliates are responsible for day-to-day program operations. Participants saving through OregonSaves beneficially own and have control over their Roth IRAs, as provided in the program offering set out at saver.oregonsaves.com.

OregonSaves’ Portfolios offer investment options selected by the Oregon Retirement Savings Board. For more information on OregonSaves’ Portfolios go to saver.oregonsaves.com. Account balances in OregonSaves will vary with market conditions and are not guaranteed or insured by the Oregon Retirement Savings Board, the State of Oregon, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other organization.

OregonSaves is a completely voluntary retirement program. Saving through a Roth IRA will not be appropriate for all individuals. Employer facilitation of OregonSaves should not be considered an endorsement or recommendation by your employer of OregonSaves, Roth IRAs, or these investments. Roth IRAs are not exclusive to OregonSaves and can be obtained outside of the program and contributed to outside of payroll deduction. Contributing to an OregonSaves Roth IRA through payroll deduction offers some tax benefits and consequences. You should consult your tax or financial advisor if you have questions related to taxes or investments.

The OregonSaves mark and OregonSaves logo are trademarks of the Oregon Retirement Savings Board and may not be used without permission.